The other side of Richard Sherman

The other side of Richard Sherman

NEWARK – Nine days ago Richard Sherman was the most polarizing figure in sports, but Tuesday’s media day was a lovefest for the Seattle Seahawks cornerback

He hugged an elderly woman in the crowd of reporters, kissed a TV reporter and fielded questions from kids calling him their favorite athlete.

In between the public displays of affection, we learned a few things about Sherman, including:

The dreadlocks are here to stay. Safety Earl Thomas was telling reporters Sherman will cut his hair if the Seahawks win the Super Bowl Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Sherman says not so fast – “Earl’s trying to cause trouble,” he said — although he would consider doing it for a cause. “If you could help all of the inner-city kids in all of America I would do it.”

Speaking of Thomas, Sherman says his fellow defensive back is his fashion idol. “I’m going to start taking pictures of him so people can keep up,” Sherman said.

He doesn’t mind Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie saying Sherman isn’t among the top cornerbacks in the game as long as veterans such as Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey are ahead of him. “I don’t have a problem with that,” Sherman said. “They paved the way.”

A product of Southern California, he remembers (sort of) going to an L.A. Raiders game as a toddler and would like to see a team return to the NFL. “That’s messed up,” he said of the city not having a team.

Muhammad Ali is his sports hero and he referenced him several times in the 60-minute session. “He’s the biggest for me,” Sherman said.